A perspective on combining molecular nanomagnets and carbon nanotube electronics

We present the promising perspectives offered by the combination of carbon nanotube-based electronics and molecular nanomagnetism. The transport properties of carbon nanotubes are first described, with particular attention to the working principles of two devices that can be expected to play a major role in merging the two fields. We then detail the fabrication steps needed for nanotube-based devices that shall be considered when developing strategies for hybrid devices. Finally, we discuss the possible chemical routes to the creation of molecular nanomagnets/carbon-nanotube hybrid devices, highlighting the fundamental requirements for the creation of working systems and for the observation of spin effects on transport properties of carbon nanotubes. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.